The Australian Circus Summit will take place from 8–10 October at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in Melbourne/Naarm, bringing together artists, producers, academics, and industry leaders from around the globe to interrogate the future of circus in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
This year’s theme, Out of Lines, borrows from circus terminology: the moment an artist unclips the harness to attempt a new skill out of safety lines. It symbolises both the courage to take risks and the preparation that makes such leaps possible. These ideas will frame discussions across three days of presentations, panels, and workshops.
Among the Summit’s keynote voices is NICA’s newly appointed Head of Circus Studies, Juliana Neves. A Brazilian-born dancer, aerialist, choreographer, and educator, Neves has enjoyed a 30-year international career and made history in 1998 as the first São Paulo artist to join Cirque du Soleil. Performing as a soloist in Dralion and touring worldwide, she has since become a respected figure in both performance and training.
Neves says she is committed to advancing NICA’s legacy as a world-class centre for contemporary circus education: “by fostering greater excellence in technique, creativity, and professional development.”
NICA CEO Simona Jobbagy affirms the appointment marks a fresh era for the institution: “The future of NICA is bright and in great hands.”
The Summit will also welcome Canadian magician, educator and researcher Dr Joe Culpepper, whose work bridges magic, juggling, and performance creation. A member of London’s Magic Circle and co-editor-in-chief of Circus: Arts, Life and Sciences, Culpepper will make his first visit to Melbourne for the event.
Joining him are other distinguished guests:
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Patrice Aubertin, founder and Director of the Research Centre for Human Potential in Montréal, and former Head of Artistic & Acrobatic Training at Cirque du Soleil.
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Dr Veronique Richard, based at the University of Queensland, whose research fuses psychology, creativity, and sport science, informed by her previous work with Cirque du Soleil and Canadian national sporting bodies.
The Australian Circus Summit will be staged within NICA’s purpose-built training centre, providing an immersive setting for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration across disciplines. Theatre-makers, movement specialists, researchers, and broader arts practitioners are all invited to contribute to the conversations.
Australian Circus Summit
8–10 October 2025
National Institute of Circus Arts, Melbourne/Naarm
Tickets: nica.com.au/summit25